
Hotel Kaatlrskill 

C-A-T-S-K-I-L-L M-O-U-N-T-A-I-N-S, N. Y. 

GRANDEST & LOFTIEST HOTEL IN AMERICA, 

3,000 FEET ELEVATION, 

90 MILES OF HUDSON RIVER VIEW; 

DIRECT RAILWAY ACCESS. 

DRUG STORE, LIVERY, GOLF 

LINKS, TENNIS, BOWLING ALLEY, 

GERMAN RATHSKELLER. 

K-A-A-T-E-R-S-K-LL-L C-U-I-S-I-N-E, 

famous the world over; 
K-A-A-T-E-R-S-K-l-L-L S-P-R-I-N-G, 

purest drinking water; 
K-A-A-T-E-R-S-K-I-L-L O-R-C-H-E-S-T-R-A, 

under the direction of Prof. Julius Simonson; 
K-A-A-T-E-R-S-K-l-L-L P-A-R-K, 

10 miles of drives; 20 miles of walks; 

The famous road to Palenville. 
K-A-A-T-E-R-S-K-l-L-L L-A-K-E, 

10 minutes from the hotel, 

boating, canoeing, fishing; 
K-A-A-T-E-R-S-K-I-L-L F-A-R^M, 

fresh vegetables daily; 
K-A-A-T-E-R-S-K-I-L-L D-A-I-R-Y. 

guaranteed milk, cream and fresh butter; 
K-A-A-T-E-R-S-K-I-L-L 
F-I-R-E B-R-I-G-A-D-E, 

organized service, fog horn signal, steam fire 

engine, watchmen on each floor all night. 
O-P-E-N-S F-O-R S-E-A-S-O-N, 
27TH O-F J-U-N-E, 1903. 
For rates, how to reach and other details write to 

H-O-T-E-L K-A-A-T-E-R-S-K-I-L-L C-O., 
K-A-A-T-E-R-S-K-I-L-L, N-E-W Y-O-R-K. 



Copyrighted 

By W. R. HEARST 

1903 




NILW YORK AMERICAN 
System of Information Bureaus 

CENTRAIi BURKAU. 

BROADWAY, COR. ETTH STREET. N. T. 

HARLEM Bl RKAU. 

237 WEST 125TH STREET. NEAR 8TH AVENUE. N. Y. 

IN BROOKLYN, N. Y. 

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DEPARTMENTS 

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SUMMER HOTEI.S_^ BOARDING AND FARM HOUSES. 

SUMMER RESORTS— WINTER RESORTS. 

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EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS ^nd TEACHERS. 

NEW YORK CITY HOTELS. 
HIGH CLASS APARTMENT HOUSE VACANCIES. 
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ANNUALS AND HANDY GUIDES 

ISaUEO BY THE 

N. Y. AMERICAN INFORMATION BUREAUS 



ANNUALS 

N. Y. AMERICAN'S SUMMER' VACATION MAGAZINE. 

N. Y. AMERICAN'S EDUCATIONAL MAGAZINE. 

N. Y. AMERICAN'S WINTER RESORT MAGAZINE. 

APARTMENT HOUSE VAOANCIEfl CATALOGUIEi. 

MONTHLY REALTY RECORD MAGAZINE. 
SECTIONAL DIRECTORIES OF SUMMER HOTELS. 



HANDY GUIDES 

SW¥oT sale at all New York American Information Bureaus, or 
mailed on receipt of remittance at American's Central Bureau, 
Broadway, corner 37th Street. New York. 

VISITORS* aUIDiE TO NEW YORK. 

80 PAGES WITH MAP, 15 CENTS. 

GUIDE TO CATSKILL MOUNTAINS, 15 CENTS. 

GUIDE TO ADiRONDACK MOUNTAINS. 16 CENTS. 

NEW JERSEY SEASHORE GUIDE. 15 CENTS. 

TROLLEY TRIPS AND EXCURSIONS. 15 CENTS. 

GUIDE TO WHITE MOUNTAINS. 15 CENTS. 

WATEIR EXCURSIONS FROM NEW YORK. 

(In I'repwation.) 



GUIDi: 



TO THL 



CATSKILL 
MOUNTAINS 



FOR 



VACATIONIST 
And TOURIST 



By HOWARD HENDRICKS 



nrTtEN GIANTS 



ISSUED BY THE 



System of Information Bureaus 

CLNTRAL BURLAU: 

BROADWAY, Cor. 37th STRLLT 

NLW YORK 



ILLUSTRATIONS 

A ICAATERSKILL COACHING PARTY f**6 

A SPRING IN TETB CATSKILLS 11 

A TURN OF THE ROA i » 21 

ELM AT KINGSTON. 250 YEARS OUD 30 

ENTRANCE TO STONY OIvOVE ^OTCH 29 

HAINES FALLS DAM 32 

HOTEL KAATERSKILL, REAR VIEW 34 

HOTEL KAATERSKILL. FROM HUDSON RIVER 34 

JENNIE JUNE'S COTTAGE, TWILIGHT PARK 31 

KAATERSKILL FALLS 38 

LEAVING NOTCH. LOOKING SOUTH 30 

LEDGE END, TWILIGHT PARK 37 

LOCK MARIAN AND TRAPPER S LODGE 28 

LOCKWOOD'S CUT 12 

MAP OP CATSKILL MOUNTAINS 24 25 

MINNEHAHA GLEN 19 

OBSERVATORY, MT. UTSAYANTHA, STAMFORD 20 

OLD RIP VAN WINKLE TAVERN 7 

PINE HILL VALLEY 18 

RED FALLS, NEAR PR.\TTSVILLE. N. Y 22 

RESIDENCE OF SAMUEL D, COYKEKDALiL. KINGSTON 14 

BANTA CRUZ, TWILIGHT AND SUNSET PARKS 30 

SCENE AT STAMFORD 26 

STONY CLOVE NOTCH 2t 

SUMMER HI M \ STAMFORD 27 

THE WITTENRERG'S DEEPEST SHADOWS 22 

TWILIGHT AND SUNSET PARKS 85 

UPPER KAATERSKILL FALLS ' 38 

UPPER KINGSTON, CATSKILL IN BACKGROUND 



GENERAL INDEX 



Page. 

Alder Lake 20 

Alligator Head 40 

Andes 19 

Albany Day I-ine 7 

Annuals and Handy Guides 2 

AppaJachian Mountains 6 

Austin's Glen 10 

Beach, Charles L 45 

Bell Ayr Mountain 16 

Big Indian 14 

Birch Creek 15 

Bishop's Falls 11 

Brodhead's 11 

Brown'"! 11 

Burnt Knob '^0 

Bushnelvllle 13 

Catskill Evening Line 10 

Catskill Landing 10 

Catskill Mountains 5 

Catskill Village 7 

Central Information Bureau 2 

Chimpion, Simon B 2<> 

Chichester 30 

"Colonel's Chair" Peak 33 

Delaware River 15 

Delaware Valley 18 

Devasego Falls 23 

PownsTille 19 

Druid Rocks 40 

Drv Brook 18 

Eagle Rock 40 

Elfin Pass 40 

Elka Park 33 

Efeopus Creek 9, 13 

Furlough Lake 19 

Grand Gorge Station 22 

Grand Hotel 16 

Griffin's Comers 18 

Guide to Adirondack Mountains. 2 

Guide to White Mountains 2 

HallcotvUle 21 

Harding. George 46 

High mount Park 17 

Hotels in Catskills 27 

Hotel Kaaterskill 7 

Hunter 32 

Jewett Heights 33 

Kaaterskill Scenic Features 39 

Kaaterskill Clove 34 

Kaaterskill Lake 36 

Kaaterskill Mountain 7 

Kelly's Comers 21 

Kingston 12 

Kingston Point 7 

Kirkside Cottage 21 

LanesvUle 30 



Page. 

Lemon Squeezer Mount 40 

Lexington 13 

Margaretville 18 

.Mountain Laurel 30 

Mount Lincoln 35 

Mount Pakatakan 18 

Mount Pleasant 12 

Mount Utflayantha 27 

Necrological 45 

N. Y.. Ont. & Western R. R. . . 9 

Olive Branch 11 

Onteora Park 33 

Overlook Mountain 11 

Overlook Mountain House T 

Over the Siimmit 18 

Palenville 35 

Palisades 8 

Panther Mountain 16 

Peakamoose Mountain 15 

Pine Hill 15 

Pratt's Rocks 23 

PrattsTille 22 

Pudding Stone Hall 40 

Rip Van Winkle 40 

Route to Slide Mountain 16 

Roxbury 21 

Santa Cruz Park 35 

Senate House 9 

Schoharie Manor Park 38 

Shandaken 13 

Shavertowa 19 

Shokan 11 

Slide Mountain 14 

Snyder Hollow 13 

South Gilboa 23 

Spruceton 18 

Stamford 28 

Steeple Mountain 30 

Stony Cove 12 

Stony Clove Notch 29 

Sunset Park 35 

Table Mountain 15 

The Finny Streams 43 

The First Hill 11 

The Sphinx 40 

Twilight Park 36 

Ulster & Delaware R. R 7 

Up Kaaterskill Mountain 37 

Visitors' Guide to New York. ... 2 

Walkill Valley R. R 9 

Wett Hurley 11 

Westkill 13 

Western Catskill 17 

What it costs 42 

Winnesook Ledge 14 

Woodstock 11 




The Summer vaca'tlon !s no longer a fad, but a necessity; no 
longer a mere luxury for the rich, but an Inestimable reality for 
the poor. No man or woman vyjll care to contradict these state- 
ments in these opening years of the new century. From every 
point of view they will be freely conceded. To ignore the fact 
is madness that can be indulged in only at tlhe peril of the trans- 
i,'ressor. If such a vacation a hundred, or even fifty yeais ago, 
was less important or imperative to the people of that period, 
it was because of the different conditions in social and business 
life that prevailed in those days of moderation and comparative 
composure. No such tension of human existence, no such hust- 
ling competition, nor any of the hot conflicts that now dominate 
the efforts of men and women in every walk of life were even 
ilreamed of In the days of our ancestors. Nor is the average 
man or woman of to-da.v more liberally endowed with strength 
or resistance than at that time. Neither in brain nor physique 
do we find any material change In normal conditions. We niu«t, 
therefore, meet the exigency of the situation by the conservation 
of forces. There must be a time for rest and relaxation, com- 
plete and unreserved; a period in which to regain and build up 
lost energy and vital force. This is the sanitary aspect of the 
vacation on its practical and serious side. Natural laws cannot 
be set aside with impunity. 

•But there ie also another ptoase, and it pertains more directly 
to the aesthetic side of our natuie. We need change, and can- 
not live on monotony or sys-tematic routine. Every one of the 
five senses needs a new diet and a change of regime. This can- 
not be had in the atmosphere or liorizou of the town home, even 
with an entire cessation of worli or business. Ml must be 
changed — the air. the scenery, the environment, the room, the 
food, the people we meet, the sounds we hear; all these must be 
different, to make the rest complete and secure the benefits de- 
siied. These things we have learned during recent years, and 
there are still other lessons in the ethics of a Summer vacation 
which are being studied by careful otwervers and scientists- 

Just where it is best to spend this vacation and the reasons* 
for It, or in what particular month it should be taken, and 
how long it should last, are juatters not within the purview of 
this book. Assuming here that the reader of this Guide wants 
to go to a mountain resort, the Catskill Mountains e.speclally, 
and is not wholly familiar with the region, ihe effort will be 
to assist him by giving needed lufoi mutton. He wants to know 
where and what they are, what they look like, and how to reach 
the leading points; what can be seen there, and where to look; 
what U -costs to ftay a week, or a month, and. a host of other 
things which are so often hidden by interrogation points to 
the inquiring new visitor. Information of this character will 
be found interspersed between the haud/some pictures of this 
Guide. 



There is no more picturesque mountain region on the globe 
than these romantic Catsliills. No matter in what land the 
search Is made, the verdict must be the same. On the west bank 
of the Hudson ^River, and some ten or more miles away, about 
ninety miles north of New York City, some of the n^ore promi- 
nent crags of the eastern pait of the range come into view, tow- 
ering abruptly from their base far up into the sliy line. The 
bold slopes in the distance, rocky and well wooded, here rise to 
the height of nearly 4,000 feet in some cases, most of those in 
sight being over 3,000 feet in the air. 

That the Catskiile are a spur of the great Appalachian Moun- 
tain System, which extends from Maine to Alabama, need hardly 
be stated for the information of the reader of average intelli- 
gence. They cover a superficial area of 2,400 sauare miles. There 




are peaks innumerable, three of which are over 4.000 feet high, 
and many others over 3,000 feet. These individual peaks differ 
in physical structure and plastic form, and present eriatic geo- 
logical features not found in other mountain formations. The 
Tock is piled-up strata in the original horizontal position, Instead 
of the usual folds or segments. This has given rise to a vast 

6 




amount of theory and speculation among geologists and other 
scientific men as to the method of formation. But the best au- 
thorities are inclined to agiee that they are due to the action of 
water and the erosiye forces of glacial action rather than vol- 
canic upheaval or eruption. 

The tirst glimpse the traveller gets of the Catskllls, coming up 
the Hudson, whether by boat or train, is at Kingston. Then 
these prominent peaks loom up in the western sky for twenty- 
five or thirty miles, extending somewhat above Catsklll Village. 
He will now see three large white structures near the creste of 
as many different peaks. The one on the left, furthest south, is 
the once famous Overlook Mountain Hotel, which stands over 
3,000 feet above tide, and commands one of the most extended 
views of river, valley and plain to b,e found In the range. But 
the house Is no longer open, because of the difficulty of accese — 
uot because It Is more difficult to reach now than It was twenty 
years ago, except for the neglected roads approaching the crest; 
but In these days of railroads visitors will no longer ride in 
stages, even to mountain resorts. Some day not far in the 
future, when the steel rails are stretched over these eight miles 
from the Ulster & Delaware trains at West Hurley, this famous 
mountain will become the most popular Summer crest In the 
Catskllls. 

The larger building, or group of buildings, seen next toward 
the right Is the great Hotel Kaatersklll on Kaatersklll Mountuln; 
almost a village in itself, and the largest mountain hotel in the 
world. This Is one of the most famous resorts In the Catskllls, 
a biilllant scene of gayety and fashion, with every modern ap- 
pliance for comfort, pleasure and luxury. The third structure Ls 
the old Catsklll Mountain House, that pioneer of all mountain 
resort**, which now 0"ens for its eighty-first season, and is known 
all over the world. It is a familiar white landmark, with Its tall 
Corinthian columns, as seen from the Hudson for over three- 
quarters of a century. These houses are In full view from Kings- 
ton Union Depot, and also from the river above Kingston Point. 

If the tourist has journeyed ud the glorious Hudson by eltheh 
of the palatial steamers New York or Albany, of the Day Line, 
which left the city after breakfast, or by that fleet river grey- 
hound, the Mary Powell, which arrives at Kingston early In the 
evening, he will la either case take the mountain train for tbe 
hills. 




-'■ '^-^^^.^^-^ ^ -^' "^j/ ^//^^^ 




In befhalf of the sail on the river, it should be said that it is 
the finest inland water trip to 'be had in the wide world. The 
broad, deep flowing river, with its unceasing panoiama of scenic- 
beauty on either bank, the trim lawns and magnificent villas of 
millionaires in every mile, its cities, villages, hamlets and facto- 
ries, the far-famed Palisades, and anon the rocky grandeur of 
the erratic green Highlnnds as they arise abruptly toward the sky, 
almost from the vessel's keel at times, the sinuous course of the 
channel, and later t!he more genia' and sloping margins with the 
sunny and fertile orchards of the choicest fruit farms in Amer- 
ica—all this and vastly more is freely spread in this Summer 
feast before the admiring traveller on these breezy Hudson River 
decks, "While he drinks in the invigorating air. 

This river trip to the Catskills covers the moet interesting 
part of the Hudson. The stream above Catskill is less impressive 
and the banks lose scenic interest. 

Those (having fewer minutes to devote to these intervening 
miles, or more scanty admiration of nature perhaps, will save 
time by travelling in the trains, and satisfy themselves with 
car-window glimpses. This would be more endurable if the air 
was not vitiated by the consumption of bituminous coal in the 
locomotives. 

But whether one lands at Kingston or Catskill the mountain 
train must pull him up among the hills of the sky- Starting 
from home in the cars, he may remain seated without change, 
if the pioper train has been selected, even until his destination 
has been reached, unless it be a stage ride away from the rail- 
way. This is, however, possible only by the Kingston route, and 
the trains on the Ulster & Delaware System. The trains from 
Catskill Village and landing involve several transfers for the 
higher resorts. The choice between these routes is an open 
question which need not be discussed here. Much depends upon 
the particular point of destination and various other conditions; 
and the traveller, having the facilities of each route set forth, 
can best decide for himself. 

\Both routes are favored, and the old-time animosity has now 
settled into good-natured rivalry, lesultlng in a fair and legiti- 
mate division of the traffic, to the comfort and convenience of 
visitors. 

Those desiring to prolong the river sail will land at Catskill. 
For parlor cars and through trains Kingston must be the diverg- 
ing point. 




starting fraiii KiiiiivSton Pulnt, wlie:e tlie ^tcallle^ has beeu left, 
I lie Ulster & Delaware mountain train Is found waiting with a full 
modern equipment for comfortable travel. Passing up to the maln- 
iiid and through the most unattractlre part cf Kingston City, tlie 
tuion Depot Is soon reached. Here the Ulster & Delaware inter- 
sects the West Shore and the Wallklll Valley railways, making 
tills the liveliest and most important station on the entiie ILne 
"f the West Shore road. In addition to these trains from the 
river, there are others which are transferred directly from the 
West Shore to the Ulster & Delaware track, and are taken up 
solid, without change. The time of the be.s.t trains from New 
York to Kingston Is about two and a quarter hours; thence to the 
Kaatersklll it takes about one hour and forty minutes more, only 
forty minutes being required to reach Phoenicia. Railway men 
tell us this time could be reduced witli a train of oidinary length, 
but they are obliged to so arrange their schedules as to cover the 
longer trains that must be hauled during the mauntain rush. 




UPPER KINGSTON— CATSKILLS IN BACKGROUND. 



Taking our scat in the Ulster & Delaware train at Kingston, 
we are soon speeding over the rlih lowlands Ixirderlng the Esopns 
Creek In the northern limits of the city, getting a ha.<<ty glimpse, 
perhaps, if on the left side of the car. of the old Senate House, 
where New York State was born, and p;isslng the eastern ter- 
minal of the new Port Jervls and Kingston brnneh of the New 
York. Ontario & Westirn Railway. The elegant new station 
building, freight house and coal pockets will be seen on the left. 

A short Iron bridge carries us over the Esopus Creek, wltjl 
which we now part company for some time, while it takes a 
long reach to the left. Here our mountain climb begins at once, 

9 



Avitli the valley and loadway on the right. If we have been 
fortunate enough to secure seats on that side of the car, the 
wisdom of the choice will soon appear. During the forty miles 
of the ascent to the summit in Ulster County, the valley, with 
all its interesting features, is con inually on the right, through 
all the windings of thy train. But there are many passengers, 
and the seats on the left must also be occupiid. If those fa- 
miliar with the scenery would content themseh es on that side 
and allow the strangers to see things at their best, it would be 
a kindly courtesy greatly appreciated. But to wait for this is 
not advisable. 

As we proceed the change of air becomes apparent, it Is 
cooler, stronger and purer at every mile. And were it not for 
the soft coal still used on the engine (to make steam rapidly, 
they sa.v) one might enjoy every inch of the journey. 

Leaving the river at Cats'kill Landing, twenty-five miles 
further north, one must take the narrow-gauge trains on the 
Catskill Mountain road and then transfer at the base of the 
mountain to the Otis ISlevating Line and its connections for 
Haines Falls and Tannersville. But there is much of interest 
and beauty along the way. especially through the rocky glen 
known as "Austin's Glen," along the Catskill Oieek ana over the 
fertile meadows of Leeds. A uigut upon the river by the fine 
steamers of the Catskill Evening line, and an early morning train 
to the mountains, is a very popular route with many visitors for 
the Greene County section of the range. 

These steamers leave New York at an early hour of the 
evening, and they are elegantly appointed. The Onteora and 
the Kaaterskill are electrically lighted, having their saloons on 
the main de<'k and being provided with every modern fitting. 
They are also among the speediest of the niglit fleet. 

Passengers are also landed at Catskill Point in vast numbers 
by the steamers New York and Albany of the Day Line, and still 
others come by the West Shore and New York Central trains. 




-' '*'%f^^^^r 



ELM AT KINGSTON, 250 YEARS OLD. 

10 




^^■l•st Huili'v is tlii'-lirst sidji of iiiipirt.iiu-c, or was, during 
tlie popularity of tlie Overlook Mountain ri-sort, cif,'ht milos 
away and sljyward, tlie last throe miles beinj; d cidodly up hill. 
The hotel is disilnctly set n from this station, stamina out boliUy 
af?ainst the sky on that massive crag. It is S.loit feet liigh. and 
commands the best air and the most extendi-d view to be found 
in the range. The view there begins at one's feet, and includes 
parts of eight differ. nt States. Half way up this mountain is a 
very comfortable resort always in operation, but a vacant room 
there is another question. Stages for this and the little village 
of Woodstock, which intervenes at the base of the mountains, 
meet the liading tiaiiis. 




A SPRING IN THE CATSKILLS. 

Woodstock is a pretty village five miles from the train, where 
many visitors enjoy the Summer quietly In the shadow of the 
lofty Overlook crag. On a sjuir of that mountain a colony of 
arti.sts and artisans has lately been established. Several quaint 
structures, more or less el.-iborate and ornate in design, have 
already In en completed, and others arc in contemplation. 

Oli\e IJranrli and Hro\vn"s are the succeeding waystojx^ on the 
long, level streti-h of tr.ick, where tlie engineer |)UlIs the throttle 
wide opi-n. Summer boardcr.s with modest purses find rest, 
health and enjoyment there among the foothills, with mountain 
climbing and llsliing near at hand. We now encounter the old 
Esopus Creek at Hiodhead's. another modest boarding section 
with varied attractions. Just below, the stream tumbles over the 
rocks at Bishop's Falls In sublime confusion, and Hows through 
Cathedral Gorge In majestic beauty. Another picturesque mile 
brings us to Shokan, a very popular Summer section always, 
but without any large hotel. 

11 



We are now riglit in among the mountains for certain, with 
peaks rising in the air on every side. The train now begins to 
dally cautiously with the old creek, so long monarch of the 
valley; crossing and recrossing the shallow and wayward water 
in the effort to unbend the curves here and there, and get a 
comparatively straight track without offending the forces of 
nature too radically. Mount I'leasant is the next station of im- 
portance. A rather large hotel, long establislied, stands back of 
the depot, and there are numerous other resorts in this pictur- 
esque vicinity, where creeks and brooks, bridges, drives, paths 
and shady groves abound in pleasing variety. 

Phoenicia is next, twenty-elglit miles from the Hudson, and 
atout 794 feet above it. In the palmy days of the old Tremper 
House, which will still be seen on the plateau to the right, it was 
a popular resort with many visitors. But the large hotel is now 
converted into a sanitarium, and although Summer boarders are 
still entertained at other smaller hotels, and about the hamlet 
generally, the place is mainly a mountain railway centre. At this 
point the Stony Clove and Kaaterskill branch of the Ulster & 
Delaware system begins, 'curving sharply northward over the 
Esopus from the main line to the right. Here it will be neces- 
sary for the traveller to make sure that he is on the right train, 
or part of the train that goes to the desired point, if he has not 
already done so at Kingston, whicli was the proper place to 
adjust the matter. 

Both at Kingston Foint Landing and at the Union Depot, on 
the West Shore, train officials will direct passengers to the proper 
coaches, and .vet annoying mistakes often occur in the hurry and 
'bustle at that lively station. 




IV 




Contlnulug up the niiilu line at this time, however, It will be 
seen that we are in a mountain dell with towering peaks close 
at hand all around. These crags socnu'd almost to dispute the 
passage of the train, but the engineers calmly followed the course 
of the old creek In laying out the road, winding in and out, but 
always at a respectful distance from It. For it must be re- 
membered that although a comparatively small stream normally, 
just a bit of sparkling water, trickling slowly over the stones 
and bowlders during most of the Summer season, this Esopus 
Creek is an erratic thing of giant force in times of flood and 
freshet. Then It gathers water and force from the massive 
slopes of a hundred towering crags in a few liours and carries 
everything down before it, respecting nothing, turning aside for 
nothing. ITie prlnci ly trout ganiliols gayiy over the pebbly bot- 
toms of the pellucid jiools. darting here and there among the 
gnarled roots and mossy margins, and glistening in the sunlight 
all Summer long, while tlie creek ripples languidly on toward the 
river, singing a glad welcome to every lirooklet that pours in Its 
laughing water for the merry run. But the bridges and embank- 
ments must be maintained in the Springtime as well. So the 
melting snows and the torrents of rain must be provided for, 
although the average mountain visitor sees the stream only In 
its gentler moods. 

On leaving Phoenicia the valley or mountain pass becomes 
morfe narrow and the scenic charm Is greatly enhanced. Occa- 
sional canyons are seen on either side, wailed in almost from the 
sunlight by rock-ribbed crags thousands of feet high. Among 
these deep gorges is that of Woodland Valley, or "Snyder 
Hollow," of the old nomenclature, opening on the left. Of all 
the charming wildwood passes In the Catskllls this Is doubtless 
the most picturesque and beautiful. A Utile meandering stream 
and a wagon road always in the foreground at the bottom; an 
old bridge here and there, and an ancient mill now and then, 
with bits o-f crumpled meadow, where the sloping forest per- 
mits, and an occasional human habitation of modest proportions 
at long intervals, with soaring mountain crags on either side 
at all times, are some of the details of these nine lovely miles, 
extending to the base of the giant Slide Mountain Itself. 

Shandaken Is the next utterance of importance that comes fmni 
the train linguist on tlie platform. These Important otriclals up 
here must undergo a satisfactory test In the pronunciation of 
these Indian names so prevalent in the Catskllls, Shandaken has 
long been a popular Summer region, although there Is only one 
large hotel with modern equipment, but nearly every dwelling In 
the vicinity Is a boarding house In Summer, and there are waiting 
stages to drive one to Bushnellvllle, Lexington, Westkill, Spruce- 
ton and other adjacent localities. 

The succeeding miles are now more crooked than ever because 
of the vagaries of the creek and the mandates of the mountain 

13 



peaks. Big Indian is soon reaclied, however, and fhis ends our 
gradual ascent quite abruptly. We have only climbed 1,212 feet 
above the Hudson as yet, and most of the way the ascent has 
been imperceptible. But now the passage is blocked by a 
mountain hcndlnnd which cannot be evaded. Nearly 700 feet 
U/pward is the alternative, and the train takes only five miles in 
which to do it. 

But while wondiring over the problem and allowing the Iron 
horse to "gather its wind," we may also watch the tourists for 




RESIDENCE OF S. D. COYKENDALL, KINGSTON. 

Slide Mountain, Winncsook Lodge and the lovely Big Indian Val- 
ley, as they climb into the stage for that charming drive. This 
valley opens on the left, and it is another entrancing canyon, 
wheie nature has wrought most marvellously. The main branch of 
the Esopus threads its way in the bottom, shielding the gamy 
trout in full supnly, making the valley a famous fishing section. 
The road is fairly good, and the placid charms of jtvild'wood and 
forest make it an ideal region for the Summer cottager, of which 
there are many already. Small hotels and boarding houses will 
be found at intervals along the entire eleven • miles, which 
bring one to another base of the great Slide Mountain, the 
crowning crag of the Catskills, 4,220 feet in the air. 



14 







•y^ 



Tilts Is prolmbly the bost route to reach this famous mountain, 
which has a comparatively easy ascent, beginning near Wlnne- 
sook Loflse, an attraetivo group of private cotta}?es, reached by 
the mail staije. Plere Is a pretty i'ttle lakelet, where the lOsopus 
Creek begins. Boin? on what is known as the "Divide," or sum- 
mit, of the watershed, one may dip water from this tiny lake 
.ind throw It either into the E opus Creek or the lEast Branch of 
I he Delaware River. The mountains in this locality are among the 
loftiest and wildest In the range. Panther, Peakamoose and 
Table Mountains being only slightly lower than the Slide. Should 
I he climber here see an occasional branch of wild cherry broken 
partly olT, and hanging down, he ma.y know that it Is the work 
of Bruin, for the shaggy brute levcs fruit, and he abounds In this 
part of the range, being successfully trappei] and shot in consider- 
:ihlp inimbers every AVinter. 

This famous Slide Mountain pi'ak Is the grandest crag In all 
lie Catskills. and the ascent should bo Included m the Itinerary 
■f every visitor. The crest Is about three miles from the Lodge, 
lialf a mile of which can be done in a wagon. An observntor.r 
lirings the eye far above the spruce forest and over a marvellous 
< -ene of transcendent beauty. Jlni Dutcher, the noted old guide. 
\i\\ pilot the timid in great shape, feed them at his I'antlier 
Mountain House and give tliem letters from his Slide Moun- 
itiin Po^t OfTlce. But the climb is easy and well marked. 
The superior height of this mountain was unsuspected, and only 
■ llscovered b.v accident some twenty-five years ago. A descrlp- 
livp page might well be devoted to it if the limitations of this 
-uide permitted. 

But we flre off now for the sk.yward joui ney. curving sharpl.v 
toward the right, and it sounds as though we had two engines 
engiiyed In the work. If .rou can get a position on the rear 
platform of the 'ast coach at this point, the receding valley 
will be peon most favorably. Further and further below, the 
houses, the stieam and the roadwa.v become as we ascend 
along this slope. At length the trim little village of PJne Hill 
comes Into view, far down in tlie valle.v, despite Its name. The 
many large hotels, pretty cottages, stores and shops, neat In 
design, well p.'ilnted and kept, form a mo.st attractive picture 
from the train, and there Is little wonder that the vill.ige ban 
long been one of the most famous and populous In the range. 
The Rip Van Winkle, Ulster, Mountain Inn, Alpine and Cornish 
are among the leading hotels. There Is beauty all around. 
Up Birch Creek Ks the secondary source of the ICsopus. which Is 
now left on the Ulster County side <'f tiie summit. Many stage 
loads of Jolly visitors always leave the train at the lillle I'liie 
Illll station, pciched here on the slope of Bell Ayr Mountain. 

The fine wagon road In this valley, on the right of the 
train, from Mount lMoa.<ant to Pine Illll, will not have escipej the 
observant traveller. It w.is built with .state aid and In the 

15 



B Grand Hotel, 

Catskill Mountains, N. Y. 

"The Leading Hotel of the Catskills." 

Ever}' comfort and convenience of a city hotel of the 
highest grade, in the heart of the Catskill Mountains. 

A magnificent 
resort for health 
and pleasure, 
with all access- 
ories for the full- 
|,j est enjoyment of 
Summer vacation. 
Golf Links and 
Tennis Courts on 
hotel grounds. 
Swimming tank 
of four thousand 
square feet. Ab- 
solutely pure 
water from cele- 
b r a t e d "Dia- 
mond" Spring. 
Culinary depart- 
ment under the 
personal supervi- 
sion of the Chef 
of The Lakewood 
Hotel, famous for 
its cuisine. 
A "GRAND" GOLF GIRL. 

The most accessible hotel in the mountains. Parlor 
cars and day coaches from New York direct to hotel 

S''^""^^- H. E. EDER, Manager. 

New York Office, 249 Fifth Ave. 




most solid and substantial manner, though nt large cost. But 
It is smooth, hard and permanent at all times, and the resl- 
(ionts are Justly proud of its enduring character. More miles 
are now under lllio construction in this vicinity, and driving 
lias become very popular in this picturesque region. This fine 
road should be a valuable objrct lesson to the people over the 
Summit in Delaware, where permanent road impruvenient is yet 
to begin. 

But we have yet 226 feet to climb in an air line distance or 
half a mile. This is done with two miles of track, laid in the 
form of a double horseshoe. You see the engines from the car 
window, belching, snorting and groaning under the load, and 
the front end of the coach Is perceptibly the lilgbest. Mean- 
while the view down the valley is charming and must not be 
forgotten. At length the summit is reached, and the me- 
chanical tioubles are over. The attractive cottages in High 
mount Parlv, seen first on the right and afterward on the Boll 
Ayr slope, are owned and occupied by prominent New York 
and Brooklyn people, including the famous Englisli-American 
actress. Miss Julia Marlowe, who has lately completed a very 
handsome home on a breezy site here. 

We are now at the summit of the mountain railway, in the 
Western Catskllls, 1,889 feet above tide, and forty-two miles 
away. It is the station for the iXew Grand Hotel, which is 
beautifully situated on a terrace of Summit Mountain, a short 
ride or walk up the slope on the right, in plain view through 
the Maple grove- This is much the largest resort in the Western 
Calskllls, and the second largest in the range. It i<< fully 
(-(jiilpped with every modern api'liance and well managed. The 
view of mountain and valley fiom its breezy piazzas is famous 
with all Gatskill visitors. From the <;rest of the mountain, 
'J. 489 feet in the air, reached by a short and easy path in the 
icar of tlie hQuse, the view is superb and still more extended. 
Slide Mountain is eeen far toward the soutl^, tbrough the 
I'cautiful valley where the trains wind in and out. On the 
west are the checkered farms and the hamlets of Delaware 
(."ounty; almost beneath your feet, as you stand on the over- 
hanging rocks, and far below, is the virgin forest, while north 
and east arc mountains piled on mountains- This airy crest Is 
a broad, open meadow of many acres, where the remains ol 
a race track are visible. It is doubtless the highest meadow in 
the Gatskill range, if not In New York State. 

This famous New Grand resort has now passed into a new 
and more progressive ownership. Mr. Harry E. Eder, of Hotel 
Kaatersklll and Lakewood fame, has lately purchased the prop- 
erty, and under his careful management its (Success is assured. 
Parlor cars direct to the hotel grounds Is a pleasing fatu.e 
of the Grand. 




But now the brakes are set, the steam shut off, and down 
slides the train into the Delaware Valley, leversing the grade 
found on the pastern slope. In the ravine on the right an 
occasional trim cotta.ire is seen, and finally at Pleischmann's, 
a vast group of these Summer homes and other handsome 
buildings will be greatly admired in this little mountain dell, 
coi'responding to the Pino Hill dell lately passed. But these 
cottages are more elaborate and costly, with fine lawns and 
grounds and greater landscape effect. On the slope to the left, 
not so leadily seen from the car, are also many beautiful homes, 
including those of the Fleischmann family, which began the 
Summer settlement; Mrs. Anton Seidl, and others. The German 
element of the wealthier class predominates, although the place 
itself, formerly known as Griffin's Corners, is an an'-ieut set- 
tlement, its later development is largely due to the enterprise 
of the Fleischmann brothers and their friends. Seveial new 
cottages have been built since last year, and 'there is much 
public spirit shown in the management of affairs affecting the 
comforts of Summer life in general. 




PINE HILL VALLEY. 



Down the crooked valley, with tlio East Branch of the Dela- 
ware Kivcr in its incipient stage on the right, we now proceed. 
The mountain peaks become less assertive and more spaisely 
wooded, and the efforts of the mountain farmer are more en- 
couraging. Between the stumps and stones he finds place to put 
his plough, swing his hoe and plant fruit trees. After four miles 
of this descent Arkville is reached, and this is the lowest level 
of the railway in Delaware €ount.v, though still 1,372 feet 
above tide. The station is important because of the converging 
of tributaiy regions. The pretty little hamlet of Margaretville, 
at the base of Mount I'akatakan, below the confluence of Dr.v 
Brook and the East Branch, is a drive of a mile and a half 

18 



toward tlio left, and tberc I9 a wealth of scenio beauty all 
about Its pnrironment. Artists of renown bavc found tbis fa- 
vored nook in the woods, and built quaint Suiunier studios 
there where they spread their easels aufi work and loaf at 
will. Andes, Shavertown and Downsville are other more distant 
Delaware sections reached by <-taKe from this point. 

riie snmptuous Catsklll Mountain Summer home of Oeorgo 
J. Could, on Furiough Lake, Is a fine seven-mile drive from 










MINNEHAHA GLEN. 

19 



Arkville, and the morlest young millionaire often comes up here, 
riding in the ordinary railway coach, and liounding into a moun- 
tain buckboard wagon behind one of his thoroughbred teams, 
which lias been waiting his arrival for the drive to the Lake. 
if unaccompanied by his family. Tbis entire region is famous 
for its finny streams, and the mention of Dry Brook mean,« 
trout to the enthusiastic sportsman. Mr. Gould's beautiful lake 
is crowded with the speckled beauties, but the fishing there is 
carefully guarded, being only for himself and friends. Even 
were it not so. the true sportsman would prefer whipping the 




OBSERVATORY, MT. UTSAYANTHA, STAMFORD. 

silvery streams whore the fish are more gamy and wary aud 
less plenty. 

This is also the station for Alder Lake, a fine sheet of 
mountain water some twelve miles to the southwest. It is 
owued by Samuel D. Coykendall, president of the Ulster and 
Delaware Railroad system. He has built a costly Summer resi- 
dence there, where distinguished jiien are often entertained, 
and has expended not far from .$100,000 upon the property. 



20 




Wo now fiitoi tho clinnning K'ado known ns tlip vnllcy of tiii' 
Kast Rrnnch. Tho train turns sliar[)ly to tlio right and proopefls 
on that nortliwostorly course for about sovontocn milos. It Is tho 
land of Jersey cows, rich cream and Kilt-edge butter, that comes 
from the succulent grasses that ^row luxuriantly on cither side 
of this placid and loitering stieam. The narrow vale is com- 
paratively level, but fhe water, on grace and pleasure bent, flows 
in winding loops, like a partly tangled ribbon, making a scene 
of wondrous beauty. This is best seen now from the left of the 
train, which for the first time becomes the point of vantage for 
the tourist. This Is also the home of the sugar M 'ple, which 
grows abundantly on tho lower slopes, where its luscious 
sjicchaiiiic products are extensively made for market, and also 
for tlie dclcrtation of the Summer guest, in the early Spring. 
Kelly's Corners and Hallcotville are successive way-stops of no 
great Importance as Summer resorts. 

But the old town of Roxbury, where Jay Gould was bom, 
is a favorite place of those In search of quiet rest amid quaint 
sun-oundings. It is near the source of this East Branch stream, 
and ovcj a hundred years old. There are no large hotels, but 
comfortable Summer entertainment is found in the homes of 
the residouts, who are hospitably Inclined and always seem to 
find room for a limited number of guests. The ornate and im- 
posing granite stiucture, seen over across the stream, on the 
rlghr, soon after leaving the station, is the Gould Memorial 
Church, erected in memory of her father by Mif:s Helen M. 
Gould, assisted b.y her brolliers. It is of the most solid and 
substantial construcJ;ion, inside and out, and the grounds and 
intervening stream have been most tastefully treated, under the 



■bI^^^v'''' '^S^I 


E 




m^" ^ 


'I^^^ShSb^B^Sm ^ 


M^ 


BL ■ ^ 


..^pl 


lyK 


1 ilnflHiif A Twf^N or THE F30A0 "iBHBHBlBffl 
mea^ ^ni.Hii.L.. m- .rii:-:;:;.iMiniii:iini ihiLiiii.it '^^yiiri 



21 




personal diiection of Miss Gould, wlio always j-peuijs itart o! 
each Summer here, in her Kirkside cottage. 

The high mountains have now been left behind, and thfc 
character of the wa.vside, though still rugged and thiclily set 
v.'ith rocks, stones and stumps, becomes more expansive in its 
pastoial features. We are, however, gradually ascending all 
the time, and soon enter a deep gorge, where the shelving rock, 
jutting out alnust over our heads, on the right, brings a brief 
return of rugged grandeur, and. for the last time on this trip. 
Emerging from this we arrive at the Grand Gorge Station, with 
the pretty little hamlet, formerly known as Moresville, nestling 
gracefully a short ride down in the valley, in full view soon after 
leaving the station. Stages over good roads and through a charm- 
ing section are taken here for Prattsville, that famous old Sum- 




THE WITTENBERG'S DEEPEST SHADOWS. 



mer resort, flvo mllps away, founrlod liy the sturdy old tanner. 
Colonel Zadock I'ratl. and also for Oillioa. throe miles distant. 
Hoth are on the Schoharie Creek, wliicli dominates the draln- 
ajio system of the norllieastern Catskills. 'J'he old village of 
I'rattsvllle is inve.-ted with a historic halo datius back nearly 
two hundred years. This, together witli the rare native charms, 
of its environment, Devasego Falls, inatt's Rocks, where tlit- 
maiks of the antediluvian currents are plainly visible, and its 
quiet, thickly shaded streets make It an ideal spot with a cer- 
tain class of visitors. 

Six miles now of slupin;.;, rocky, stumpy fiolds, with dairy 
herds In every lot, and an occasional farm house, with its red 
harns along the pulilic road, brings us to South Oilboa, which 
is of no importance as a station except that it marks the sum- 
mit of the railway track in Delaware, 1,774 feet above tide. 



STONY CI OVe NOTCH 




23 




tekill inounlalns 

B])omn^ Railroad and Bteamboat (S'onnedions. 



Philatjl 




A sharp onivc to the left and a three-mile run on this^ new 
;»outl) westerly course brings the village of Stamford in vie A', 
\^hieh, being in the western margin of the Catsliills, ends this 
part of our trip. 




SCENE AT STAMFORD. 



Here is the ideal village resort of the mountains, seventy-five 
miles from the Hudson and 1,800 feet above it. There is a 
uoruiai population of one thousand, whicli is more than doubled 
in tlie Summer. It has every modern equipment for comfort and 
pleasure, all of whicii are under a progrossiye and careful cot- 
i>orate control. Tlie wallis are nicely flagged, with an abund- 
ance of Maple sliade; the many cottages are neatly designed and 
surrounded hy wfrll-Iiept lawns, and all the 'buildings are at- 
tractively painted and dec( rat d. Theve are five pri'tty churches, 
a Seminary, gas and electric lights, public water and sewer 
systems, and two weelvly newsp pers. One of these, the Stam- 
ford Miri'or, is among the oldest in the State, and is still 
edited, owned and published by its founder, Simon B. Cham- 
pion, wlio was the first to publish what is now Icnown as "local 
newc." It v/as in the Mirror office that Jay Ooujd served foi 
a time as an apprentice in his youthful days. 

The financial magnate was a great friend of "Champ," as he 
is familiarl.y Isnown to all newspaper men, and he maintained 
these intimate relatione with him, which since his death have 
been fostered by his dauglitor Helen. 

lu tliose early days of newspaper making the bulk of the 
news published in the New York daily papers was from London, 
I'aris and other foreign countries. Domestic affairs were regarded 
of minor importance. "Champ" reversed this order and began 

26 



« A A 


t 


JI/'Ms'S^I 


K- 


^TT. 









SUMMER HOME, STAMFORD. 

to print local jiossip, inciii riiij» the eniuity of his lu'i^hltoiv at 
first. But very soon the reaction came, and his little MiiTot 
attained a circulation that outstiippecl most other country week- 
lleq in the State. 

There are many iiirfre Srn/nier liotcis in tliis charming vil- 
la.iie. some are elaboratelj- fitted with every modern ajipliance, 
and all are attractive in dcsijin, neatly jiainted and surrounded 
toy well-l<ei)t lawns. There is also a sumptuous little banUin;; 
house, wlierc the thiifty landlords m:iy store their Summer profits, 
with many shops and .^tores and a fine Opera House, where they 
can spend them. In Churchill Park is a .ecries of pretty lake'-it"^, 
affordiuf; boating facilities; quilnt rustic cottages and handsome 
drives. Out on Lake street is the handsome ("hateau de Na- 
vane, and other unique cottages with spacious grounds attract- 
ively planted. In addition to all this there is Mount Utsayantha, 
3,rfl>5 fet^t hiirli, which _rises almost from the village streets 
and command.-* one of the most extended views in tliis por- 
tion of the range, including twenty thousand square miles of 
mountain teiritory, with thirty prominent peaks. From its ob- 
servatory tlie visitor may look into four different States, and 



For special Information and full details regarding Stamford 

aildri'ss aiiv of the houses named here: 



Rexmei e 

Churchill II.ill. 

Hamilton House. 

Grey court Inn. 

Kendall IMace. 
I Grant House. 

Westliolm. 

Madi:jon. 

Atchinsim House. 
I Cornell House. 

Ten-y Homestead. 

Far View House. 

InglesJde. 

Greenliurst. 

Maple Uest. 



Lawrence Cottage. 
Manor House. 
Delaware House. 
Powell Farm. 
Cedarhuist. 
Ward well Farm. 
Utsayanilia Lake House. 
I'ark Cottage. 
(Jregory Cottage. 
Hoyd Cottage. 
Hosemont. 

Mayn.ird Farm House. 
Maple Lane House. 
The Cornell House. 




LOCK MARIAN AND TRAPPER'S LODGE. 

get a glimpse of Albany and Sclienectady on a clear day. The 
crest is reached by a s'.ort and easy carriage drive. The Loco 
mobile lias just been introduced in this charming village by a 
local company, and visitors may now enjoy the novelty over these 
Undulated and scenic diives of mountainous Delaware. 



28 








Keturiiiii;,' now to I'liociiicia, in tho Ulster luiil Delaware 
Valley, we may continue our mountain journey to the other and 
more eastern soctlou of the range, where visitors ateo congregate 
In largo nunil)ers. Tliis will Include the older Greene County region, 
where the Summer boarding business began many years before 
the Ulster and Western section was known at all, except to 
tanners, barkmen and woodsmen in general. The only connec- 
tion between these regions is through the famous mountain pass 
kr.own as Stony Clove and Notch. This is a wonderful canyon 




to which pages might well be devoted. No visitor can afford to 
miss a trip through it, whether it be by train, carriage or 
bhycle; either of the latter being preferable under suitable con- 
ditions and circumstances, if the purpose be pleasure or 
liivestigaUon. 

Cur\ing gently over the Esopns from the main line of the 
railway, and through the little iamlet of I'hoenicla, it will be 
oliserved thei e is a steady ascent in grade, and this continues 
until the Notch itself is reached. Some of the heaviest grades 
of the rails will be found on this division, and with the little 
engines of the old narrow gauge track used in .former years It 
was often a serious struggle, attended with problematic results. 
For it nr.ist be remembered that the maximum elevation Is now 
to be atiained. This altitude in the Notch is 2,071 feet, 1,273 
feet of which must be made In ten miles. After the first two 
miles a little manufacturing hamlet is seen far down In the 
valley on the left, where the native woods are converted Into 

28 



fliairs. offico fnrnituro and fine cabiuet work- Chifhester is the 
name of the place, in honor of that family whir-h emigrated 
from Wales. 

And here in midsummer we find tlae Mo intain Laurel (Kalmia 
Latifolia) in all its glory, tlie entire slope of tlie mountain being a 
solid mass of this g)rgeou6 pink 1 1 wm, whcli i?; also abundant ^a 
other parts of tlie range, the time of bloom depending on tlie 
elevation. Other wildwood flowers and plants abound all 
through this valley in great variety, and the air is often filled 
with the mingled fragrance, as the varieties bloom in succes- 
sion. In the bottom of the narrow valley, which is now always 
on the '.eft, is the Stony Clove creek, babbling its merry way 
in gentle rifts and cascades toward the old Esopus, and cov- 
ering a goodly supply of trout. Theie is an occasional mill, 
pretty farm houses where boarders are entertained, and neat 
little churches and schools at intervals. A fair wagon road 
winds along in harmony with the stream, from which the steep 
and stony bits of meadow slant intensely upward, and there is 
beauty all the way. 

Lanesville is the next little group of houses wheie a few 
visitors gather to enjoy the Summer in a modest and quiet 
way, fishing and loafing at leisure, with scant regard to style 
or formality. There are no regular hotels in this valley. 

The mountains now become higher, more rugsred and grand. 
Over acrosi? the valley aie Steeple Mountain and Burnt Knob, 
trending backward and upward from the stream with tJieir 
gigantic vertebrae of rock piercing the clouds. One after an- 




other these soaring crags now come into view, with gorges 
deep and dark" all between. Now and then far back in these 
lavines, where some courageous mountain farmer has cleared 
a strip of land and carved out a bit of meadow, we see his 
liumble dwelling and little barn standing out like dice cubes 
against the masvsive green slope of the mountain. 

At length we pull up at Edgewood, just below the entrance 

30 



to (he Notch, and at tho liond of (lie valley. The nnnaliis of 
an old chalr-stock factory, a saw mill and ; not or sin ill group of 
houses are about all wc soc to the credit of man. and it will ho 
seen that thiougliout this valley the siiblim(> suprcmioy of nature 
has been little disturbed. 

We are oft now for the final 280 feet of the ascent, with >• 
hit over a mile to do it in. The famous Notch is just ahead and 
the nionntaiii slopes aie rapidly drawing together. The car 



h 



'^^^S^::^^;:^^^^^^^ 




JENNIE JUNE'S COTTAGE (■ --* w.r^ t e « ) 

TWILIGHT P/X R (A 



finally roaches the siinmiit level in the srcat ;;ap or crevice. 
■\A'e iiinst liudi !<tiMl;rht upward to lind tlie sky between tin 
perpendicular walLs of rock on either side, ;in(l tlieie is scant 
si):ieo at the lioltoiii for Ihe rails and the wagon road, which 
battle for the right of w;iy. Ifnnter Mountain, the. second 
highest crag in the range, ai:d 4.0.'iS fei t above tide, is -over 
on the left, llioiigli not its(df visible from tliis point, and Tla- 
teau Mountain is on the right. iThe coed, liraciiig air to which 
you have already become somewhat accu, toiiicd in the range 
is hole cliilled to a still lower degree, and yon rcicli fur ilie 
overcoat and tho wrai)s, whicli every pimleiit t'aiskill \i itoi' 
will be carefiil to bring. 



31 




m(m 







This marvellous cleavage of tlie crags is a most interesting 
problem to the geologist who attempts to account for it, and 
scientific men differ greatly on this point. At what particular 
stage of the world's history this mighty fissure in the rocks, 
this splitting asunder of the towering mountain, occurred, is all 
a mystery. Dame iNature closes the door in our face at the 
end of every avenue of speculation, and we can only end our 
quest with wonder and admiration. The transverse strata of rock 
on either side correspond closely in character and elevation, 
showing that they were once joined together. But as to the 
Cyclopean force which split the mass asunder a few rods and 
then held the parts immovable, it remains engulfed in the sea of 
interrogation in the realm of science. 

The grade is now downward for a short run, and then the 
valley expands materially. Prom Kaaterskill Junction a two- 
mile spur of track leads to the quaint old village of Hunter, 
which deserves special mention. It is one of the older boarding 
sections of tlie Catslvills to which visitors rode in stages over 
the many long and steep miles from the Hudson long before 
the advent of the iron horse. And they came in considerable 
numbers, too, to spend most of the Summer in the quiet old 
town, where the rollicking Schoharie Creek is the noisiest in- 
habitant, if not, indeed, the most impoitant feature. This, 
stream here presents the anomalous spectacle of running di- 
rectly away from the very river it is most eager to reach. 
Having begun its career a few miles east of Hunter, and only 
some ten miles from the Hudson, it takes a great circular sweep 
northwaid toward the Mohawk River, emptying with it into 
the Hudson above Troy and then passiing down within ten 
miles of the starting point, after a tortuous course of 175 miles. 




32 



IRut the purpose of this Is obvlons In view of the peculiar 
pliyslcal structnre of this portion of the range. For this stronni, 
with its tributarios, furnishes the entire drainage system fo:- 
these interior highlands of the Catskills. 

'Hunter Is well supplied with hotels and boarding houses, 
•large and small. There are churche*!, stores, shops, a flne public 
school building, and a weekly newspaper. Among the larger 
hotels are the Hunter. Cential, St. Charles, West Knd, Kaats- 
berg. Prospect and Arlington. The favorite regions of Lexing- 
ton, Hcnsonvllle. Windham, Jewett Heights and Intervening 
points are reached by stage from this station. 'Drhing Is ex- 
ceptionally popular in this locality because of the fine roads upon 
which the enterpri.slng people have spent large sums of money 
in a sensible and permanent way, adding greatly to the com- 
fort and enjoyment of Summer life there. Towering mountains 
encircle the village and there is a wealth of scenic attraction 
B'l around. Over across the creek is "Colonel's Chair" peak, 
3,165 feet In height, a spur of Honter mountain in the rear, 
hefore alluded to. Both are reached by comparatively easy 
patJis through the forest. 

We may now either lesume our railway journey at the Jun- 
ction, or proceed by carriage toward the great, populous region 
of the eastern Catskills. In either case Tannersvllle Is the first 
point reached. This is another very old and famous Summer 
section, the name being due to the extensive tanning interest 
which wa.s established there early In the last centuiy. The 
hotel facilities are abundant and of varied character; and it is 
said that over two thousand guests can be entertained. On the 
mountain slopes facing the vill.ige are several attractive parks 
belonging to various well known social clubs and other associ- 
fltions. Onteora Park, on the north, contains a fine group of 
handsome cottages owned by people of wealth and nromlnence. 
Including the fine mountain home of the noted actiess, Maude 
Adams. Over on the sprace top slope, directly across the val- 
ley and near the source of the Schoharie, is 'Elka Park, with 
Schoharie Manor Park adjoining. The general altitude of the 
valley is now 1,SC3 feet. The new station building here of the 
Ulster & Delaware road is the finest In the mountains. 



33 











Another mile up the valley is Haines Corners anrl Falls, an 
old and hallowed Summer section, where no rcadei should ever 
feel content with any pen and ink description, however assisted 
in the portrayal by the camera or the engraver's art. The great 
popularity of the region if* shown by the life and bustle at the 
station. We are now at the head of the widely famous cauyou 




HOTEL KAATERSKILL, REAR VIEW. 

known as Kaaterskill Clove, the like of wWch for scenic 
charm Nature never duplicated- No man can stand here look- 
ing down through the great gorge to the Hudson Rixer and far 
beyond, without a thrill of admiration and wonder that reaches 
back to the Supreme Creator of it all. The sublime and trans- 
cendent vastncss of tie scene seems for a time to obscure all 
the works of man that the crowdied all about; for nothing that 
he has dtone ha>s 'been able to despoil or deface the mighty 
chiselliugs of Nature in this groat Clove. We stand nearly 2,OiJ0 




HOTEL KAATERSKILL, FROM HUDSON RIVER, 
34 



feet above the sea. nnd from this dizzr preoipico the mountain 
water plunjres In foaniin? grandenr and beauty flown >1G0 feet, 
and then goes on turalilinjr lower tliroujrh the bottom of the 
gorge by a series of caseades and rapids, d scendlug 1.200 
feet more in four miles, to Palenville at tlie entranoo of the 
€love. Concerning the trip down tlie road lending through this 
Clove tbe reader can be safely left with his imagination. iFIalf 
way down it^ a lateral gorge, through which the Kaatersklll 
stream tumbles joyously and finally joins the waters from 
Haines Falls. 

The mighty crag of Mount Lincoln, which rises like a titanic 
buttress to the sky on the light, 3,664 feet In the air, forms 
the south wall of the Olove. (Here at Its base, just across the 
Falte, are the noted Parks of Sunset, Twlllgbt and Santa iCruz, 
located In this order along the slope of the gorge. The numer- 
ous attractive cottages, casinos and club houses contrast beau- 
tifully with the mountain setting !is seen from the train. 
These parks are always filled with Summer residents, among 
whom are many prominent and wealthy people in society and 
■busine<^s circles of New York, Brooklyn, Philadelphia and other 
cities. Housekeeping cares and the mandates of fasbion are 
largely avoided and evaded In tbese rustic mountain homes, and 
life is highly enjoyable, with the proper conditions of rest, 
change of air and scene most happily combined. All about this 
historic locality are hotels, large and small, tlie Antlers being 
among the more capacious and modernly fitted. Sunset Park 
'Iiin was built last year and is one of the finest and most com- 
pletely apiminted hotels in that section. It stands on a mag- 
nificent site above Haines Fails and will this season be man- 
aged by that noted boniface, Mr. C. E. Leland. 




Now, after two more of these charming miles, which, by 
I the way, cannot be fully enjoyed in the train, we are at the 

old Laurel House, at the head of Kaatersklll Fall*?, that "best 
1 piece of work in the woods," where artists of renown have 
\ vainly labored for a century to encbain the picture upon canvas. 

The house Itself Is mainly Important now by reason of the 

hallowed associations that cluster about the spot. Tbe genla'. 

and popular old landlord has gone to his reward and few changes 



In the resort will be noted. But the Falls, the Gorge, the 
mountains and the massive green slopes, all these are just as 
wonderful as ever, just as supremely beautiful today as they 
were a hundred years ago, barring the unfortunate ravages of a 
forest fire three years ago, which are now disappearing. We 
can still go down the hundreds of steps, wallj behind the foam- 
ing cataract as it leaps from the rock out through the air and 
down ISO feet, and then takes another plunge of eijrhty feet. 
There we may look throu'^h the mist and spray aud see the 
rainbow at midday. Then, on our return, we can stand on the 
platfoim at the top and look down the entrancing gorge into 
tlie KaatersklU ClOTe and over against the massive breast of 
Mount Lincoln, getting another view also of the park settlement. 
We now have the choice of continuing in the train to Its 
eas^tern terminus on Kaaterskill Lake, or walking up Kaaters- 
klU Mountain by path or road, or driving thither, as may be 
preferred; for the Hudson River valley and plain is surely the 
object of our vision at this stage of the journey. The path is 
less than a mile, if you don't lose your way; the road one-half 
more, and the track also a short mile. At the end of the lat- 
ter, 2,141 feet above the sea, is the pretty Kaaterskill Lake, 
so much enjoyed for its fishing and boating facilities by thou- 
sands every Summer. 




36 











.-•^I'/iKvv 




A short ride from the lake, Uioii,i;h intensely up-hill, and 
shoiter still by the foot path, brings us to the great Hotel 
Kaaterskill, that mammoth mountain resort of the world, which 
attracted so mucli attention when it was built, twenty j-ears 
ago, because of the magnitude of the enterprise and the bold- 
ness of its consummation. In a single season this vast hotel 
and Its complement of buildings were begun and completed on 
this mountain top, the crest being cleared and graded, and a 
complete system of roadways constructed. It took an army of 
men and nearly a million dollars in money to get the resort 
open for business in the Summer of 18S1. The project involved 
al«!0 a carriage road up the front face of the steep crag from 
ralenville on the river side, there being then no railroad in 
that portion of the range. This of itself was an engineering 
feat over which celebrated I'hiladi'lphia engineers struggled for 
a- time and finally gave up as Impossible, the work being 
completed in brilliant style by a native mountaineer, unlim- 
ited means being placed at his disposal. This famous road is 
tO'day regarded as a triumph of mountain engineering, althooigh 
It Is no longer used to convey guests to the hotel, having been 
superseded by the railways. And yet every visitor is advised 
to make a trip down this celebrated Harding Road, where the 
grandeur and beauty of the Kaatei skill canyon is seen at it.i 
bust. 

The hotel will accommodate over a thousand guests, and it 
is fuJIy provided with modern appliances for comfort and 
luxury, having a large Opera Hou.se, immense dining room, 
electric lights, etc. The view is unobstructed and most ex- 




37 



IHi^ 




— ^ 1 


■^c ^ 


^^^S 


mS^^^^^^^^^'-,^.., 


^ m^m^ .--tr- :"^^ 








-- ".."« ' '^^ter- ,. : I 




./;lj 


■^ 


i;3^j 




11^^51;] 



UPPER KATTERSKILL FALLS. 

tended. 'The river g'leams like a silver ril)bon in the distant 
sunlight and moonlight; cities, villages, liamlets, lakes and 
farms dot the valley and plain for fifty miles and moie in pic- 
turesque variety and beauty. The entire mountain is embraced 
in Kaaterskil.' IPark, having a complete system of drivefs, road- 
ways and paths which are kept in good repair. The air is ex- 
cellent, and it is the coolest resort now open in the range, 
the elevation being about 2,500 feet. It is the centre of fashion 
and gay Summer life in the iCatskills, and it still remains under 
the general supervision and management of the Harding estate. 
Mr. George Harding, the distinguished projector and owner, 
having died last Fall. Many improvements and ■c'hanges will 
be noted at this famous resort this season, the hotel liaviug 
been thoroughly renovated throughout. The rotunda has 'been 
enlarged and piovidod with a huge open fire-place^ which, is 
also a new feature in the great parlor. An attractive Raths- 
keller will replace the old barroom, and in addition to the dally 
concerts and weekly liops there will be a series of vaudeville 
performances. New tauitary open plumbing and improved ath- 
letic grounds are among othei new features. 



38 




^w^lj^U 



m 










From this airy suniiiiit tlioro ;iro n iMrge nnnibor of clolislilfnl 
moiint.-iiii imllis r.tdial iiifr in all dirootioiis anil covering a varl- 
oty of sfcMiio features. TIio patli lonfling to tlio famous Sunset 
Kocli slioiild not be missed liy any visitor. The deseont is short 
and gentle, l)eing partly by th(> road if desired. Standing oii 
X\\\e, overhanging i oek, with the yawning chasm nearly two thou- 
sand feet below, one may look away to the head, of the Clove 
and see the foaming JIaines cataract in Its emerald setting of 
mountain leafage and rugged rocks, and the fringe of -tusllc cot- 
tages. This view .it the •sunset hour is a picture of entrancing 
l)eauty over \\lii<'li artists have raved and labored to repro- 
duce. Another favorite r.imble is out to the "Kowlder," a 
gigantic rock on the forefront of tlu" mdunt.iin. From this the 
view of river and valley is superb. 




The famous old Catskill Mountain House Is about a mile to- 
ward tlic northeast, and there are many charming paths leading 
over the mountain to it. That a!ong the front edge of the crag, 
with the lovely valley continually lu vl w, Is. of coirse, the 
most favored. There is a road iiart of the wa.v, and soon after 
leaving this a series of rock strata juts out over the valley, hang- 
ing almost in midair at times at thus dizzy height, fiom which 
the Inspiring view challenges description, (he altitude being over 
2,500 feet. Many wild freaks of nature iu the way of rock forma- 
tion and fissures will be found on the way as the historic old re- 
Bort I3 approached. In fact, it is a veritable rock garden, with 
the conglomerate stnieture always piedomiuatiug, clearly show- 
ing the action of water during tie dlluviau epoch, If not prior 

39 



thereto. Some of th.se features are locally known as the "Lemon 
Squeezer." "Alligator Head," "Elfin Pass," "Druid Rocks," 
"The Sphinx," "Pudding Stone Hall," "Eagle Rock," etc. 

A sharp descent at last brings us to the Old Mountain House, 
on that famous table rock which overhangs the valley. Here it 
was that "Shandaken," the old Indian Chief, once had his wig- 
wam and dwelt with his beautiful daughter, "Lotowana." 

We stand In fiont of this ancient pile, with these great white 
columns so plainly seen from the river now at our back. 'We look 
down, down and away in every direction, and feel that in spite 
of the graphic rehearsals of eighty years, and all the inspirations 
of poets and artists, the half has not been told, and never will 
be. We see in the immediate foreground an inclined railway 
leading up and down the steep face of the mountain, with an oc- 
casional bit of the old stage roadway here and there in the foiest 
slope, and are, perhaps, disturbed by the inharmonious feature. 
But we must content ourselves with the sacrifice upon the altar 
of practical necessity. 

Here, year after year, we have seen that venerable old pioneer 
of the Catskills, Mr. Charles L. Beach, white and bent beneath 
ninety and more Winters of earthl.v existence. But he will be 
missed now, haviug been called home. Talking with him, we 
found a mountain enthusiast of the most dogmatic type, with a 
vast fund of reasoning for the supremacy of the Catskills over 
every other and any other mountains on the globe— a man with 
a most interesting history. 

Journeying mouutainward from Catskill Landing, or Village, 
there is much of interest in and about the old town itself which 
ehould be noted. On a sightiy bluff near the Point landing is the 
large resort known as the Prospect Pai'k Hotel, standing in an 
extensive park of cedar and other trees and shiubbery. The house 
is capacious, though somewhat antiquated now, but the location 
is very desirable, and there are excellent facilities for boating and 
ali other outdoor sports, with the full village equipment right ac 
hand. 

The old Giant House, on the heights above the village, is an- 
other large resort greatly favored by quiet loving visitors, who 
prefer to rest amid distinctively lural features and surroundings, 
it is situated on a bend of the Catskill Creek, and overlooks the 
village and river in a charming way. There are also smaller re- 
sorts, both in the village and its suburbs, and the Summer 
population of the place is always largely increased. 

Of course it was here, 

"Just On the edge of the sleepy town. 
In a tiny cottage timeworu and brown. 
With a scolding wife and a fair-aaired child," 

that old Rip Van Wiukle spent the historic j-ears of his marital 
Infelicity, and to this spot he returned, tottering and uukuown, 
after his loug mountain nap. But the visitor wiil liud other and 
more modern objects of interest about this traditional old Dutch 
village of Catskill. Among them is a finely equipped Y. M. C. A. 
building, just complfted through the munificent liberality of one 
of the older Summer citizens who belongs to an honored Catskill 
ancestry and was once a poor Catskill bo.v. 

Proceeding up this railway we find also that many leave the 
train at Leeds and other way stops for the quiet, intervening sec- 
tions dotted here and there among the foothills. At South Cairo 
a branch line leads to the Cairo sectisn proper, and this iu fact is 
the only practicable route to that well-known and long-favored 

40 



old boarding region where so many hundreds gather year after 
year; as It Is also for Durham, Fri'ehold, Gayhead and other ad- 
jacent points below the mountain In that part of Greene County. 

Following the main line of the railway, however, wo next ar- 
rive at the station for the Otis Elevating load. at the baee of 
South Mountain. Those destined for the higher resorts must 
there take the inclined car up the crag, assuming that few will 
care in these days to make the long and tedious ascent by stage, 
which years ago was the only method. Arriving at the top in 
ten or fifteen minutes, the passenger must again change oars for 
the Catsklll & Tannersvllle Railway, unless he desires to reach 
the old Catsklll Mountain House, wbich is only a few rods up 
the slope, by a series of easy stairways. Hotel Kaaterskill may 
also be reached by this route after a two-mile stage drive, mostly 
uphill. Haines Corners and Tannersvllle are the leading stations 
on this narrow gauge line. 

The termination of the railway at the base of tbe mountain Is 
at Palenville, the entrance to Kaaterskill Clove. And for this 
populous and charming Summer section this Catsklll Mountain 
Railway is the only available route. Here we get a view up the 
great canyon. The little hamlet has a loyely environment, and 
many hotels; with a flue public school building, a cozy little 
church, built In the midst of babbling brooks and foaming cas- 
cades, and a wealth of other attractions for the Summer loiterer. 
EJntlcing paths lead upward to various points fabled In the roman- 
tic legend of Rip Van Winkle, and other mountain lore, including 
the spot where the happy old soul took hitj long sleep, Fawn's 
Leap, and other places of local renown. 



^^^ 




The cost of this outing among the Catsiiills depends so largely 
upon the conditions and circumstances governing the requirements 
and notions of the visitor that no definite figures can well he 
given. Some general data that will assist in the formation of an 
approximate estimate can, however, be set forii). Those desir- 
ing the special rates of board at the different points, with fu" 
details as to rooms, accommodations and entertainment, will do 
well to make early application, either in person or by letter, to 
some one of the "AMERICAN" Information Bureaus, 
where booklets and circulars of the various resorts and railway 
and steamboat lines are freely furnished, and all quegtlons aie 
courteously answered. 

The fare on the West Shore and New York Central railways Is 
two cents a mile. On the Ulster & Delaware system, from Kings- 
ton, it is three cents a mile to all points in the range reached by 
this line. By river steamboat the fare vaiiee slightly in accord- 
ance with the line selected. The steamers of the New York & 
Albany Day line have a schedule rate of $1.25 to Kingston Point 
and $1.50 to Catskill, with round trip tickets at $2.25 and $2.75, 
respectively. The excursion rate to Phoenicia via Ulster & Dela- 
ware is $3.95; to Kaaterskill, $5.10; Grand Hotel, $4.75; Pine Hill, 
$4.65, and to Stamford, $6.75. Passage on the Mary Powell to 
Kingston costs $1, with a round trip rate of $1.50. By the Kings- 
ton night line it is 75 cents, and $1.25 both ways. Landing at 
Catskill from the Day Line steamers and thence by the Catskill 
Mountain Railway, the excursion rate to the Otis Summit at the 
Old Mountain House or Tanuersville is $4.85; to Cairo or Palen- 
ville, $4.75. By the steamers of the Catskill Evening Line the fare 
is somewhat less, and by rail all the way from New York It is 
considerably more. 

The cost of board varies so gieatly that only a general idea 
can be conveyed here. All the way between $4 a^d $30 per week 
the figures will be found. The higher prices prevail at the large 
and fashionable hotels located on the higher mountains, and the 
lower prices in the plains and valleys, with corresponding accom- 
modations as to rooms, furniture and hotel equipment in general. 
Good plain, simple board may be had even at $5 a week, with 
plenty of good, wholesome food, well cooked, and fair sleeping 
facilities. But of course there will be no style or formality in 
the service, and the rooms will not be large. But the air is 
usually good, though not so cool and strong as at the higher alti- 
tudes; the scenery is abundant, and the "extras" will not pile up 
so rapidly as they do at the big resorts. This cos-t of a Catski" 
sojourn depends almost entirely upon what the visitoi requires or 
thinks he must have for himself or his family. Private baths, 
line furnishings and fancy dinners, with a vast variety of special 
difihes and a formal table service, miust be well paid for here, as 
elsewhere, and generous "retaining fees" to waiters, porters, beli 
boys and chambermaids can also be indulged in by the rich and 
affluent. But one may also live at the best resorts at moderate 
cost, and get the best air, eat the best food, enjoy the best scen- 
ery and have the best rest, if he so desires, and use a little com- 



mon sense. 



42 




The purling streams of sparkling water make an ideal home 
for the Drook trout, that princely member of the finny realm. 
The slopes and valleys are profusely threaded with roaring 
creeks and murmuring brooks, In which the speckled beauties 
disport with abounding joy and content. Much has been said and 
written of fishing In the Catskills, and the average angler may 
come here, enjoy the sport and tell of his success with less of 
lense to his conscience and more pride perhaps than would be 
possible In most other fishing regions. There is a goodly supply 
of flsh under favorable conditions, and the fact that they are 
wary and gamy will not be questioned. One may cast his fly 
or "chuck his worm" here with such success as his skill and pa- 
tience warrant. There are miles upon miles of good trout water 
still outside the domain of the rapacious sporting clubs, where 
«ven the mountain lad astounds the scientific disciples of Walton 
by his "luck" with his bent pin and vile earth worm at the end 
of a bit of twine. Biscuit Brook, the Neversink, Head of the 
Rondout, the East and West branches of the Delaware, the 
Beaverkill, Dry Brook, Bushkill, Watson Hollow Brook, Emory 
Brook, the Esopus Creek, Stony Clove Creek, Mink Hollow Brook, 
the Big Indian Valley streams, Kaatersklll Creek, Haines Falls 
Water and the rollicking Schoharie — who has not heard of these 
famous streams? 

But the successful angler mnst bring skill a« well as fancy rods 
and a gorgeous array of flies and other paraphernalia. The trout 
Is keen witted and shy, and he mnst be captured by deception 
and combat. The careless, bungling, happy-go-lucky wharf fisher 
better stay out of the woods or come prepared to buy hi« flsh. It 
is skill, not luck, that counts along these brooks. If the theo- 
retical city fisherman Is often surprised and disgusted with tie 
catch of the barefooted mountain boy who has grown up along 
these streams and has learned the habits of trout, knows where 
to find them and how to deceive them with the least fuss and 
commotion. It Is simply the result of his superior skill, that's all. 
The lad never gets excited at the supreme moment and rarely 
loses the big Qeh which are so apt to escape the complicated de- 
vices of the enthusiastic angler. Water which the latter has 
whipped for hours and abandoned as flnless will often yield a 
fine string of fish under the primitive methods of the native 
fisher. But all this adds a keener zest to the efforts of the vis- 
itor, who studies these native methods with peculiar Inteiest and 
soon learns that skill Is the prime factor of success. In any 
event, unlimited exercise Is assured, and If the novice fails to fill 
his creel with the savory victims of his patient efforts he is sure 
of receiving therapeutic benefit, which may be of even greater 
importance. 

Trout aie supremely happy In very little water, and fine, big 
flsh are often found in very small brooks. But they are even 
more wary here than In the larger streams, and the fisher must 

43 



get in Ills hook with extreme caution because of the transparent 
water, and woe be unto him who maizes a noisy misstep or craek- 
llng sound amid the overhanging branches. 

The large hotels are not open at the early fishing season of 
April and May, but good food and comfortable beds can usually 
be found at the smaller houses and even some of the farmhouses. 
With a well-fitted tent and plenty of warm clothing and blanlj- 
ets, one may camp along the stream. But in that case a hamper 
of plain, substantial food in concentrated form is always desir? 
ble, as well as a few cooliing utensils. The flesh of a brook trout 
Is of the mosj; delicate texture, as every sportsman l^nows, and 
for this reason the fish is never so delicious as when cooked in 
the woods fresh from the stream. 




Since the publication of tliis Guide in lii02 two of tbe most 
noted and liistoric personages identified with the history and de- 
velopment of the Catskills as a Summer resort have been removed 
by death. Both were men of distinction and prominence, and 
they were alike enthusiastic and zealous in their admiration of 
the Catsklll Mountains and their boundless advantages and poesl- 
bilities for Summer life, Summer rest and Summer enjoyment. 
The one was doubtless the pioneer Summer mountain landlord 
of the woild, with an undjing faith in the virtues of Catsklll 
Mountain air, and their scenic supremacy. The other, just as 
strongly imbued witii the beauties and advantages of the region, 
evinced the sincerity and courage of his convictions in the bold- 
est and most energetic manner, making it possible for thousands 
to enjoy the native charms of these glorious mountains who might 
otherwise never have visited them. That these two men should 
pass from earth away within a few weeks of each other may be 
regarded as a strange coincidence. 

MR. CHARLES L. BEACH. 



This veteran boniface of the mountains, who died last Octo- 
ber at the age of ninety-four, was the pioneer landlord of the 
Catskills, and the proprietor of the far-famed Catsklll Mountain 
House, which now begins Its eighty-fiist consecutive season. He 
began the entertainment of guests in that Pine Orchard hos- 
telry long before mountain hotels were thought of. Only a few 
friends of the family visited him at that overhanging rock In 
midair at first, and these came by Invitation. His house ^na 
small and not much like a hotel at that time. Artists and au- 
thors of note were conspicuous among the-;e earlr visitos. They 
came to sketch and describe the scenic chaims, but they lingered 
to become entranced and enchanted with the grand old crags, the 
primeval forests and the sublime waterfalls and canyons. Thesje 
visitors soon Increased so rapidly that Mr. Beach was compelled 
to build larger and make a business of this Summer entertain- 
ment, adding to his facilities in various ways. Ho built the first 
fine mountain road up the face of that vast South Mountain crag, 
■winding it in and out to avoid the radical grades as he owned al- 
most the entire mountain. Finally he established a stage line in 
Summer from the river landing at Catsklll Point to his mountain 
botel, and his guests soon began to come in hundreds instead 
of scores. This was then the only practical route to the moun- 
tains. The house was again enlarged from time to time, until the 
present dimensions were attained, which was nearly fifty years 
ago. 

Mr. Beach drove a coach to the Mountain House on July 4, 
1823, which was his first visit there. In that year his father, one 
of the first white settlers in the region, had organized the Cat- 
skill Mountain Association, which at once erected a rude shanty 

45 



upon the site for the accommodation of visitors and began the 
building of the Mountain House, which was opened to the public 
in 1824. This was leased by Mr. Beach in 1842 and purchased by 
him two years later. Since then the property, which now in- 
cludes nearly 3,000 mountain acres, has remained in his posses- 
sion uninterruptedly- 

Mr. Beach was a man of rare intelligence, with a goodly fund 
of general knowledge pertaining to his time. He was closely 
identified with staging in New Yorli State in the early days of 
long distance stage travel, which was then the only method of 
travel bj' land. In his younger days he drove a stage from Ithaca 
to New York, and was a noted whip years before the advent of 
railways. The details of that traffic were related to the writer 
for publication by Mr. Beach in a giaphic and most interesting 
manner some years ago. He always attributed his health and 
long life to his yearly sojourn on the mountain. iHe kept the 
mountain forests inviolate and would not permit the cutting of a 
single tree on any property under his control except when abso- 
lutely necessary, regarding the despoliation of the primitive wood- 
land as an act of vandalism. And to him the Innovationa of the 
incline railway up his mountain, and other changes demanded by 
the increasing population of the rebion, seemed a desecration of 
nature to whicli he never became fully reconciled. He was a 
man of strong individuality and great self-reliance. During hie 
active control of the Mountain House he would not permit his 
agents at Catskiil Point to influence visitors to enter his stages 
In waiting there. Their Instructionss were to say merely, "This 
way for stages to the Catskiil Mountain Houfie," and this wa.s 
the policy pursued in the management of the resort. 

MR. GEORGE HARDING. 

This distinguished lawyer and capitalist of Philadelphia was 
a man of a different type, and in some respects quite the opposite 
of Mr. Beach in his views. While his respect for and admiration 
of nature were fully as strong, he believed in progressive devel- 
opment and the full utilization of these transcendent charms and 
advantages of nature in the highest degree. Having great force 
of character and indomitable energy, he was a man peculiarly fit- 
ted for the planning and consummation of large projects. H's 
professional career as a noted patent lawyer fitted him for the de- 
velopment of large enterprises, and his methods were bold and 
brilliant. Having a well-matured plan, he would lose no time tn 
carrying It forward. It was simply a question of men and means, 
and these he employed without stint. 

But for his friend Mr. Beach Mr. Harding may indeed never 
have come into the Catskills at all. His attention might never 
have been directed to the rare advantages of these mountains aa 
a Summer resort had he not become a guest of the Catskiil Moun- 
tain House over twenty years ago. It will thus be seen how difCl- 
cuit it is to estimate the precise share of the Catskiil develop- 
ment which belongs to each of these noted men. But it is not 
necessary .to divide the honors so carefully. 

Mr. Harding took a more liberal view of the possibilities of 
the Catskills than any other man. And when he purchased 
Kaaterskill Mountain and so many other large tracts of wild 
land In that wondrously picturesque vicinity in 1880 there was a 
project m his mind the unfolding of which dazzled the commun- 
ity with its boldness and magnitude. 

In nine months the ^ild and rugged crest of that mountain 

46 



was cleared and an Immense hotel erected, with a large number 
of other necessary structures. The mountain was laid out as a 
Park, with a complete system of roads and drives, and the won- 
derful Harding road np the eastern face of the crag from Palen- 
vllle was built. It took an army of men and almost a million 
dollars to do it, as all the material had to be drawn up the as- 
cent of over 2,500 feet by teams, there being no railroads. But 
the great mountain resort was opened to the public early In July, 
18S1. 

Mr. Harding had an abounding faith in the power and influ- 
ence of the public press, and he believed in the judicious use of 
printing Ink. To him, more than any other man, credit is due fop 
the fame and popularity of the Catskiils as a Summer resort. He 
employed every legitimate means to bring the beauties and ad- 
vantages of the region to the notice and attention of the public 
far and wide. And in these efforts he was most heartily sup- 
ported and assisted by the newspaper press generally, which has 
been a much greater factor in this Catskill development than is 
usually accorded to it. 

Visitors came by thousands, a large majority of whom had 
never before heard of the Catskllls. The great hotel was thronged 
with guests, and the older houses were also filled with new visi- 
tors. New hotels were built at various points and most of the 
older houses were enlarged and improved. The railway through 
the Stony Clove to Hunter, and subsequently to Kaaterskill Lake, 
was soon constructed, largely through the efforts of Mr. Harding, 
and the demands o<f his vast mountain enterprises, which also 
brought about the construction of the Catskill Mountain {Railway 
from Catskill to the base of Kaaterskill Mountain, where up to 
that time visitors had been obliged to journey all the way from 
the river in stages. 

The liberality and public spirit whlcb characterized the en- 
terprise from the outset, has been maintained in the conduct of 
the resort ever since. Many noted men were brought to the moun- 
tains through the efforts of Mr. Harding, including Presidents 
Grant and Arthur, Justices of the United States Supreme Court, 
Ambassadors and others of distinction and eminence In the va- 
rious walks of life. 

Mr. Harding was a friend of Abraham Lincoln, and he ap- 
peared with him and Edwin M. Stanton, in the famous McCor- 
mick Reaper case in the State of Illinois. The acquaintance thus 
formed resulted in making Mr. Stanton Secretary of War, and the 
offer of Justice of the Supreme Court to Mr. Harding by Mr. 
Lincoln, which he, however, declined. In the practice of his pro- 
fession as a patent attorney he is said to have received very 
large fees. One of $160,000, and two others of $100,000 each, are 
credited to him. His death occurred in November last, and by his 
will the famous resort was left to his son and daughter, who 
will retain the management as heretofore. 

The liberality and public spirit which characterized the enter- 
prise from the outset have been maintained in the -condnct of the 
resort ever since. Many noted men were brought to the moun- 
tains through the efforts of Mr. Harding, including Presidents 
Grant and Arthur, Justices of the United States Supreme Court, 
Ambassadors and others of eminence and renown in the various 
walks of life. Mr. Harding was a friend of Abraham Lincoln, 
and once appeared with him in a noted patent cobq In the West. 

His death ocouried in November last, and by his will the fa- 
mou.s resort was left to his eon and daughter, who will retain the 
nianagenient as Uerutotore. 

47 



ICatskll Even NG Line. 1 


SHORTEST 


CHEAPE'ST 


AND BEST 


ROUTE TO : 


Hotel Kaaterskill, 


Onteora Park, ; 


'■ Catskill Mountain House, 


Palenville, ; 


! Laurel House, 


Tannersville, 


Kaaterskill Falls, 


Prospect Park Hotel, < 


: Haines Falls, 


Grant House, { 


Twilight Park, 


Summit Hill House, \ 


Santa Cruz Park, 


Cairo, j 


1 Sunset Park, 


Durham, < 


: Elka Park, 


Windham, < 


' AND ALL POINTS OF r^i^ -ii ^/, . • l 

\ INTEREST IN THE LatsKill Mountains. J 




STEAMERS 
"ONTEORA" and "KAATERSKILL." 

LEAVE NEW YORK every weekday from Pier 43. N. R., foot of 

Christopher st. at 6 p. m., and from West 129th st., 7 p. m. 

Two boats from New York on Saturdays from July 11 to Sept. 

5, both inclusive: the ONTEORA at 1:30 from Christopher St. 

and 1:50 from West 129th St., and the KAATERSKILL at 6 

P. m. from Christopher st. and 7 p. m. from West 129th st. 
LE.WE CATSKILL every weekday except Saturday at 7 p. m. ; 

Sundays, 7 and 10 p. in. ; the 10 o'clock boat from July 5 to 

Sept. 6, both inclusive. 

Close connection at Catskill with special trains on 
CATSKILL MOUNTAIN RY., CAIRO R. R., OTIS 
ELEVATING RY. and CATSKILL & TANNERSVILLE 
R. R. Tickets sold and Baggage Checked through. 
Staterooms Booked in Advance. 
Good arrangements for Transportation of Horses and 
Carriages. 
Folder containing list of hotels and boarding houses, 
giving locations, rates and much other information 
mailed free to any address. 

E. H. SNYDER, Pres't, W. J. HUGHES, Treas., 



Pier 43, N. R., New York. 



Catskill, N. Y. 



4S 



Hudson River By Daylight 

The Most Charming Inland Water Trip on the 
American Continent. 




The Pahce Iron Steamers "NEW YORK" and 
"ALBANY" of the Hudson River Day 
Line. 

DAILY. EXCEPT SUNDAY. 

Leave New Yoric, Desbrosses Street, 8:40 A. M. 

New York, West 22d Street, N. R., 9:00 A. M. 
New York, West 129th Street, N. R., 9:20 A. M. 
Albany, Hamilton Street, 8:30 A. M. 

THE ATTRACTIVE ROUTE FOR SUMMER 
PLEASURE TRAVEL TO AND FROM 

THE CATSKILL MOUNTAINS. 

SARATOGA AND THE ADIRONDACKS. 

HOTEL CHAMPLAIN AND THE NORTH. 
NIAGARA FALLS AND THE WEST. 

TICKETS VIA DAY LINE ARE ON SALE AT ALL 
OFFICES. 

A trip on one of these famous steamers on the 
noblest stream in the country offers rare attractions. 
They are fitted up in the most elegant style, exclu- 
sively for passengers. Their great speed, fine orches- 
tras, spacious saloons, private parlors, and luxurious 
accommodations in every respect render them unex- 
celled. Handsomely appointed dining rooms, with su- 
perior service, are on the main deck, affording an un- 
interrupted view of the magnificent scenery for which 
the Hudson is renowned. 

THROUGH TICKETS sold to all points, and baggage 
checked to destination. 

Send 6 cents for copy of "Summer Excursion Book." 
F. B. HIBBARD, E. E. OLCOTT, 

Gen'l Passenger Agent. Gen'l Manager. 

Desbrosses Street Pier, New York. 

Afternoon Boat. Steamer "Mary Powell" for Rondout 
, (Kingston) and intermediate landings. Capt. A. E. An- 
5 derson, Desbrosse« Street Pier. 



iL 




LIBRftRY OF CONGRESS ~[ 



014 432 790 1 

W V 



Has the only 
Standard Gauge 

Line WITH THROUGH 

Coach a^dDcawi/vg 
Doom cab service 

^^^f£^ TO ALL POINTS m THE 





^/ 6RgAT flEALTH ^NdTiEA/URE 

"Retort i5theMott Acce//ible 
Mountain "Region to the People 
OF Gi^ATER New \ork: It i/a 
/anitarjum for^EverybodVand 
a'Paradi/h for^ Childhen. 

kI eieht oiMitH poMtujut'e tor illiiMtratetl - 
Mtok, -with iiiHit of tite CntMkill >Ioni) ' 
• •oTuplete list of IiofelM and lioarclingr ln> 

^. A. SIMS. General Pas.seii«er Agreut, 



